Baan Cheethuan in Ubon Ratchathani attracts visitors and culture connoisseurs with its unique and centuries-old Buddhist Lent celebration.

As the famed Candle Festival in Ubon Ratchathani draws near, the quaint village of Baan Cheethuan, 28 kilometres northwest of the city, springs to life with an age-old tradition: the Pathom Somphot sermon. On 19 July, both locals and visitors will converge at Wat Sri Nuan Saeng Sawang Arom to experience this deeply cherished cultural event.

The Pathom Somphot sermon, a hallmark of Isan culture, is delivered from the historic Lion Pulpit—a masterpiece dating back to 2468-2470 B.E. This pulpit, crafted by skilled Vietnamese artisans, resembles a lion supporting a sacred chamber, symbolising a harmonious blend of Thai and Vietnamese artistic traditions. Adorned with intricate carvings and vibrant illustrations, it stands as a testament to the community’s unwavering devotion to Buddhism.

The tranquil procession at the Pathom Somphot Sermon in Baan Cheethuan. Photo/TAT Ubon Ratchathani’s Office

Baan Cheethuan is a village steeped in history, rich in art, culture, and tradition. It is home to ancient sites such as Wat Phra That Suan Tan, believed to have been constructed during the same period as Phra That Phanom in Nakhon Phanom province.

Today, Baan Cheethuan draws tourists who come to marvel at Khua Noi, a charming boardwalk that meanders through the rice fields, connecting Baan Cheethuan to Baan Nong Khaen. Khua Noi is a beloved attraction, especially enchanting from June to December when the rice fields are lush and green.

Experience the authentic and humble beauty of local life in northeastern Thailand at the Pathom Somphot Sermon in Baan Cheethuan. Photo/TAT Ubon Ratchathani’s Office

Unlike the grandiose Candle Festival in Ubon Ratchathani’s city centre, the Pathom Somphot Sermon at Baan Cheethuan is an authentic and humble yet beautiful celebration of local life in northeastern Thailand. The event begins with a grand procession featuring over 300 participants in traditional attire, including flag bearers, conch shell blowers, and monks carried on a ceremonial palanquin. Led by Phra Khru Sunthorn Sutthakit, the procession winds from Wat Thung Sri Wilai to the serene grounds of Wat Sri Nuan Saeng Sawang Arom.

The Lion Pulpit was awarded the prestigious 2013 Outstanding Architectural Conservation Award by the Association of Siamese Architects. Photo/TAT Ubon Ratchathani’s Office

Moreover, Wat Thung Sri Wilai houses the principal Buddha image, Phra Phuttha Wiset—a thousand-year-old statue in the naga-protected posture, made of laterite stone.

Delivered in the melodious Isan chanting style, the sermon recounts the Lord Buddha’s first sermon from foldable-palm-leaf manuscripts. This event provides a unique glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Isan, making it an essential experience for anyone seeking to immerse themselves in the depth and beauty of Thai traditions.

Ubon Ratchathani

Thailand Festival

Shimmering of Faith

Ubon Ratchathani presents a mesmerising light art spectacle during the renowned Candle Festival.
This July, immerse yourself in the captivating blend of tradition and modernity at “VIJITR 5@Ubon Ratchathani: Shimmering of Faith,” hosted by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). From 13-21 July 2024, Ubon Ratchathani will come alive with a contemporary spectacle of light, sound, and storytelling, showcasing the local lifestyles, wisdom, and traditions of this culturally rich city.

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Planning Your Visit

Event Itinerary:

  • 5:00 p.m.: Prepare for the sermon parade at Wat Thung Si Wilai.
  • 6:30 p.m.: Procession departs for Wat Sri Nuan Saeng Sawang Arom.
  • 7:30 p.m.: Pathamasombodhi Sermon, ancient style, at the Lion Pulpit.

Dress Code:

  • Men: White shirt with sarong; loincloth draped over shoulder.
  • Women: White shirt with sarong; breast cloth draped over shoulder.

Getting There

The fastest way to reach Ubon Ratchathani from Bangkok is by air. Several airlines offer daily flights from both Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) to Ubon Ratchathani Airport (UBP), with a flight duration of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

For those who enjoy scenic journeys, taking a train from Bangkok’s Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal to Ubon Ratchathani is an excellent option. Multiple daily trains, including rapid, express, and sleeper trains, cover this route. The train journey lasts between 8 to 12 hours, depending on the train type.

Additionally, numerous coach companies operate routes from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani. Coaches depart from both the Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2) and the Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai), with travel times ranging from 10 to 12 hours.

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